Garden hose storage apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and method for storing a garden hose is disclosed. The apparatus consists of an elongated tube which is at least as long as the garden hose that is to be stored in it, and the cross section of the tube is large enough for a hose to fit in it. The elongated tube can be mounted under the floor of the building with its end extending through the wall or it may be mounted external to the building. End caps can be used to seal the tube to keep it clean and protect the hose when it is in the tube. The tube protects the hose without requiring the hose to be stored in a coil.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for storing a garden hose. More specifically, this invention utilizes a straight section of tube both long enough and large enough in diameter to accommodate a garden hose, for convenient storage within or appurtenant to a house or other structure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Garden hoses are such a necessity that they are present in almost any home. They are used for washing cars and driveways, cleaning gutters, as well as watering lawns, gardens, and landscaping. When not use, they need to be stored out of the way and protected. This preserves them for longer useful lives.

Although the garden hose has long become ubiquitous in suburban America, storage and maintenance systems for garden hoses have generally been inadequate. For many people, storing a garden hose means rolling it up into a series of large loops and throwing the looped hose in the garage floor or over a wall-mounted hook in the garage. Of course, rolling up the hose is an undesirable chore and since the hose was exposed to dirt and moisture during use, it is usually messy to roll up. Many people use a wall-mounted hose storage anchor which is attached to the wall near the water spicket. However such anchors are unsightly and result in putting kinks in the hose as the hose is turned upon the anchor. In addition, wall-mounted storage anchors require drilling into the wall which is highly undesirable and may result in damage to the siding of the structure.

A more subtle problem associated with conventional garden hose storage systems is that they greatly reduce the life of the hose by making kinks and un-natural bends in the hose. Hoses are generally made of rubber or other polymeric blends, and a hole may develop in a hose over time due to the application of stress points such as a kink in the hose or a place where the hose is bent for long periods of time. Holding the hose in a tightly wound wheel invariably causes a deterioration in the wall of the hose, as the hose will spend much more time reeled up than it will be extended. Accordingly, even after the hose is unwound, the kinks of the hose are still present, resulting in difficulties in fully extending the hose and a tendency of the hose to curl during use, impeding water flow.

Furthermore, another key disadvantage of most conventional hose storage systems is that the hose remains exposed to seasonal temperature extremes such as freezing and thawing while wound in a kink position. This results in a drastic reduction in the life of the hose. It would be highly desirable to have a storage system for a garden hose which protects the hose from temperature extremes while also protecting it from kinks and pressure caused by being wound for long periods of time.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

A search of the prior art reveals a number of patents claiming or describing methods and means of storing a garden hose. These include: U.S. Pat. No. 5,390,695 by Howard; U.S. Pat. No. 5,566,898 by Cline; U.S. Pat. No. 5,568,824 by Cordrey; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,678,596 by Corallo. Each of these patents detail systems for winding the hose upon a reel. The patents by Cline and Corallo locate the reel in a space under a building, while the patent by Cordrey locates the reel under a building or in a well. Another set of patents winds the hose around the interior of cylindrical containers. These include U.S. Pat. No. 4,588,083 by Hunt and U.S. Pat. No. 6,634,374 by Kondas et al. The container in Hunt is portable, but the container in Kondas is a cylindrical well. Also, U.S. Pat. No. 6,003,819 by Hall is directed to a pivoting and telescoping hose support. Finally, there are other patents that store garden hoses on various reels and brackets, as well as those that store other types of hoses such as central vacuum hoses stored within the walls of a dwelling.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,678,596 by Corallo, claims a hose reel that mounts on the joists under the floor of a building. It features a water connection to supply the hose while it is attached to the reel. A remote valve extends external to the wall and provides a means of controlling the water supply to the hose. The hose is used by extending it from the reel where it remains attached while in use. A funnel shaped sleeve guides the hose from the reel to a boxed opening in the side of the building. A ratchet mechanism associated with the reel latches when the desired length of hose has been pulled out. To retract the hose, a short tug releases the latch, and a spring in the ratchet mechanism rewinds the hose. A knob placed near the end of the hose prevents the hose from retracting through the wall of the building and out of reach.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,566,898 by Cline is also for a hose reel mounted under a floor. The hose unreels and extends through the wall via a box inset. Rollers surround the hose where it passes through the inset, thus making the extension and retraction of the hose easier and less wearing on the hose. A cover closes the box inset when the hose is retracted and not in use.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,390,695 by Howard also comprises a reel but it includes an additional feature. This feature is a set of concentric telescoping tubes which support the hose while it is extended from the reel. The supporting tubes allow the hose to span over a distance of groung without making contact with it. In some environments, this protects the hose from being drug over roots or other rough elements. In other environments, it protects growth on the ground from abrasion from the hose. The reel swivels upon its mount allowing the hose and tubes to extend in any direction. Like many hose reels, Howard has a connection to the central part of the reel so that water may be supplied to the hose, while the reel maintains its ability to rotate.

Each of the above discussed patents for storing a garden hose has several moving parts. These moving parts are subject to wear, breaking, and binding. Similarly, the method of storing the hose in a coil has a negative impact on the durability of a hose. For these reasons, it is desirable to have an improved garden hose storage device that does not rely on moving parts or require the hose to be left in a coil.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a primary objective of the present invention to provide a simple means for storing a garden hose that results in removing the hose from sight.

It is an additional objective of the present invention to provide an inexpensive and simple means for storing a garden hose.

It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a durable means for storing a garden hose.

It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a convenient means for storing a garden hose.

It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a means for storing a garden hose that can be sealed from pests.

It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a means for storing a garden hose that prolongs the life of the hose.

It is a further objective of the present invention to develop a hose storage mechanism that enhances the life of the hose by keeping it out of the weather.

Another objective of the present invention is to create a garden hose storage system that does not involve use of a wheel or kinking the hose during storage. Specifically, the objective is to keep the hose relatively straight during storage which will also make it much easier to use the hose. The present invention achieves that objective as the hose is stored in an elongated position which generally avoids the accumulation of water in low spots.

The present invention is an apparatus for storing a hose. The apparatus comprises a tube of sufficient length capable of containing a fully extended hose. The tube may be mounted beneath the floor of a building, along an outside wall, or in the rafters of a building. The tube has closable ends and may have any of several cross sections providing adequate space for a garden hose.

In one embodiment, a rod is anchored in the end of the tube opposite the end from which the hose is inserted and removed. The rod is the length of the tube, small enough for a hose to slide over it, and may be made of any of several materials and combination of materials providing adequate rigidity. The rod itself may be a tube having a hollow center and capped on its exposed end. In use, the hose is slid over the rod when the hose is fed into the tube. This further prevents the hose from kinking or curling when a long hose is being fed into the tube. This is particularly helpful when a hose has laid in the hot sun with a kink in it, and a temporary location for collapsing has formed.

As discussed above, the method and device of the present invention overcomes the disadvantages inherent in prior art methods and devices. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Additional utility and features of the invention will become more fully apparent to those skilled in the art by reference to the following drawings, which illustrate the primary features of the preferred embodiment.

FIG. 1 shows the apparatus mounted crossways beneath floor joists under a floor.

FIG. 2 shows the apparatus mounted along the length of a floor joist under a floor with part of a hose extending from the end of the apparatus.

FIG. 3 shows the apparatus mounted along an outside wall.

FIG. 4 shows an exposed end of the apparatus and a nearby swivel faucet with an apparatus end cap and a hose attached to the swivel faucet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The detailed description below is for preferred embodiments and is intended to explain the operation of such preferred embodiments. It is to be understood that a variety of other arrangements are also possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

FIG. 1 shows a hose storage apparatus according to the present invention mounted in place. The elongated tube 10 of the invention is mounted under the floor 20 of a building. The elongated tube 10 is held across the joists 30 of the floor 20 by means of a plurality of straps 40. The end 50 of the elongated tube 10 extends through the wall 60 of the building, giving access to the elongated tube 10 from the exterior of the building. A garden hose can then be stored in the elongated tube 10 by feeding it in from the end. Likewise, the hose may be removed by pulling from the exposed end.

FIG. 2 shows a hose storage apparatus according to the present invention mounted in a different configuration. The elongated tube 10 of this embodiment has a rectangular cross section and is mounted under the floor 20 of a building. The elongated tube 10 is mounted along the length of a floor joist 30 of the floor 20 by means of a plurality of hangers and hooks 40. The end 50 of the elongated tube 10 extends through the wall 60 of the building, giving access to the elongated tube 10 from the exterior of the building. A removable cap 70 allows the elongated tube 10 to be closed for sealed storage of the garden hose 110. For storage, the garden hose 110 is fed into the elongated tube 10 lengthwise until it is completely within the elongated tube 10. Then the removable cap 70 is placed on the end of the elongated tube 10 to seal the tube 10.

In addition to being mounted internal to a structure, the elongated tube 10 may be mounted outside the structure. This is shown in FIG. 3. The elongated tube 10 is mounted on the outside wall 80 of a building. Removable cap 70 again allows the elongated tube 10 to be closed. FIG. 4 shows an additional embodiment of the present invention. An exterior faucet 90 is located near the exposed end 50 of the elongated tube 10. On the end of the faucet 90 is a swivelling elbow 100, which is capable of pivoting to align with the center of the exposed end 50 of the elongated tube 10. A cap 70 is rotationally associated with the end of the swivelling elbow 100 and the end of the swivelling elbow 100 extends through the cap 70 and a garden hose 110 can attach directly to the swivelling elbow 100. To store the hose 110, it is fed into the elongated tube via the exposed end 50 until the swivelling elbow 100 can be turned towards the exposed end 50 so the cap 70 can be placed over exposed end 50.

An additional embodiment uses a rod to keep the hose straight as it is fed into the tube. This embodiment is not illustrated in the drawings. The rod is anchored in the middle of the end opposite exposed end 50 and extends all the way to exposed end 50 where, due to its length and flexion, its end lies on the bottom of the elongated tube 10. When a hose is to be stored, it is placed over the rod as it is fed into elongated tube 10. The rod keeps the hose from bending as the length of hose in the tube increases. In one embodiment, the exposed end of the rod has a hemispherical end with a radius equal to that of the rod. In another embodiment the exposed end of the rod may have a hemispherical end having a radius greater than that of the rod or the end may be rounded with multiple radii blending a smooth end into the rod shaft. Also, the rod itself may be a hollow tube, having its exposed end capped, or sealed in various ways.

The rod may be fabricated from any material or combination of materials that provide adequate compression rigidity to stay essentially straight while the hose is fed over the rod. Typical metals would be steel, aluminum, or brass. Other materials include fiberglass and ultra high molecular weight plastics. These latter materials could also be used over a metallic core, or even a core of treated wood. Many typical combinations of these materials and other materials not specifically mentioned exist and could be used.

Having provided detailed descriptions of preferred embodiments, it should be noted that there are several means to accomplish the construction of the invention. Various materials such aluminum alloys, plastic, and fiberglass would easily provide the strength and structural integrity needed for the garden hose holder. Also the cross section of the tube could be round, rectangular, or any other convenient shape that has the dimensions to accommodate a garden hose. It should be obvious from this description that there are numerous embodiments subsumed in the present invention, and the scope of this invention should not be limited by the discussion of the preferred embodiments above. 

1. A garden hose storage apparatus comprising: an elongated tube at least as long as said hose, said tube having internal dimensions large enough to allow insertion of a garden hose.
 2. The garden hose storage apparatus of claim 1 wherein: said tube is normally closed on at least one end.
 3. The garden hose storage apparatus of claim 2 wherein: at least one of said ends has a means of opening and closing.
 4. The garden hose storage apparatus of claim 1 wherein: said tube is mounted beneath the floor of a building.
 5. The garden hose storage apparatus of claim 1 wherein: at least one end of said tube protrudes from the wall of a building.
 6. The garden hose storage apparatus of claim 1 wherein: said tube is affixed to an external wall of a building.
 7. The garden hose storage apparatus of claim 1 wherein: a rod is anchored in the end opposite of the end into which the hose is fed, said rod being long enough to extend to the end into which the hose is fed and of a diameter such that a hose will fit over said rod.
 8. The garden hose storage apparatus of claim 7 wherein: the exposed end of said rod is rounded.
 9. The garden hose storage apparatus of claim 8 wherein: said rounded exposed end has a radius equal to that of said rod.
 10. The garden hose storage apparatus of claim 8 wherein: said rounded exposed end has a radius greater than that of said rod.
 11. The garden hose storage apparatus of claim 8 wherein: said rounded exposed end has a multiple radii blending the said exposed end to said rod's side.
 12. The garden hose storage apparatus of claim 7 wherein: said rod is itself an elongated tube.
 13. A method of storing a garden hose comprising: placing said hose in an elongated tube, said tube being at least as long as said hose, and having internal dimensions sufficient to accommodate said hose.
 14. The method of storing a garden hose of claim 13 wherein: said tube is normally closed on at least one end.
 15. The method of storing a garden hose of claim 14 wherein: at least one of said ends has a means of opening and closing.
 16. The method of storing a garden hose of claim 13 wherein: said elongated tube is mounted beneath the floor of a building structure.
 17. The method of storing a garden hose of claim 13 wherein: at least one end of said tube protrudes from the wall of a building.
 18. The method of storing a garden hose of claim 13 wherein: said tube is affixed to an external wall of a building.
 19. The method of storing a garden hose of claim 13 wherein: an elongated rod is mounted in the end opposite the end into which said hose is fed, said rod being long enough to extend to the end into which said hose is fed, and said rod being of a diameter small enough to allow said hose to be fed over said rod when said hose is fed into said elongated tube.
 20. The method of storing a garden hose of claim 19 wherein: said elongated rod is itself an elongated tube having its exposed end sealed.
 21. A garden hose storage apparatus comprising: a) an elongated tube, said tube being at least as long as said garden hose and having internal dimensions large enough to accommodate said garden hose; b) a water faucet proximate to a first end of said elongated tube, said water faucet having a swiveling elbow which is capable of pivoting to align with the center of said first end, and; c) a cap, said cap being capable of covering said first end of said tube and said cap being pivotally associated with said swiveling elbow so that the outlet of said faucet protrudes through said cap. 